M23 crisis in DR Congo: updates from BENI, BUTEMBO, BUNIA, UVIRA, BUKAVU, RUZIZI / 21/11/12
M23 troops © Al Jazeera English
21 November 2012
NORTH KIVU GRAND NORD
Beni
Confusion remains in Beni. Ex-CNDP members of FARDC are not visible in the streets but not necessarily left either, check points manned by police. Earlier reports that Beni will become an administrative capital have not materialised. Local population uncertain who controls Beni and some suspect already under control of M23. Local radio broadcast message from Mai-Mai of Tahanga Nyoro (allied with ADF-NALU) will attack Beni as an opportunity to fill the vacuum if M23 do not have control. Despite this, life continues with children going to school.
Butembo
Violence in Butembo today and nobody went to work. All Kabila photos and government offices burned. MONUSCO also attacked. Mai-Mai PARECO moving towards Butembo, possibly also opportunistic attempt to fill power vacuum.
Bunia
Oxfam Quebec, UNHCR, WFP, Solidarite and MONUSCO offices looted and offices destroyed. Rumours are that Bangladeshi unit has killed students but now situation is more calm with warning shots not shoot to kill as earlier in day.
SOUTH KIVU
Situation now more complicated in S Kivu as M23 advance. Xenophobia is increasing generally and anger at MONUSCO and government increasing.
Uvira
Panic increasing in Uvira with businesses, markets and schools closing after half a day. At the Kavinvira more than usual movement of people leaving the country, especially the sick, pregnant women and elderly. Some people testify that the M23 elements have infiltrated the army in Uvira and Bukavu. Less traffic with Bukavu affecting economic activities of Uvira.
Bukavu
Following the advance of rebels by occupying the town of Sake, the panic has increased and hundreds of young people marching in the streets and attacking the MONUSCO, ruling party offices and burning party flags. Heavily armed police intervening to stop the demonstration. Some habitants and INGO staff are crossing the border to Rwanda. Worry that food shortages will occur in Bukavu as supplies from Goma stopped and prices expected to escalate.
Ruzizi
People fear that local militia will block the road between Bukavu and Uvira as a demonstration of anger at the government for not preventing the M23.
Démocratie Chrétienne, D.C. 